International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Promoting participation of persons with disabilities call rung out
Source: The Sangai Express

Spt/Tbl/Tml/Bpr/Kak/Jiri, December 03 2019: Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA) and Senapati Disabled People's Association, Manipur (SDPAM) in collaboration with District Social Welfare Office, Senapati observed International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Traffic Point, Senapati, today.

The programme was conducted under the theme "Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: Taking action on the 2030 development agenda" .

A blindfold rally was also organised from Mini Stadium Ground entrance to Traffic Point, Senapati in connection with the day.

The rally was flagged off by Tholu Rocky, Addl SP .

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The main agenda for organising the blindfold rally was to let people experience how blind people are living without sight.

Having experienced the short journey, students who joined the rally stated that blindness is the hardest thing in this world where they hear only the voice but cannot see.

Scared to move freely, the student participant urged all to extend help anytime when they see any blind people crossing the road.

Bringing the welcome note, president of Senapati Disabled People's Association, Manipur (SDPAM) asserted that the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and support for the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

Tholu Rocky, in his speech, shared the hardships of having no sight while taking part in the rally.

He urged all to extend love and support to people with disabilities to ease their pain.

The Addl SP of the District also expressed hope that the Senapati Disabled People's Association, Manipur together with MANEDA would continue to extend love and care to people with disabilities.

Dr Esther, Physiotherapist, MANEDA in her speech stated that disabilities don't happen because of the past sins of a family member but due to certain reasons like bad eating habits by the pregnant mother, wrong medications or by accidents during delivery.

Briefing about the existence of the SDPAM, Th Johnson, advisor to the body stated that he was inspired by the many activities taken up by MANEDA for the welfare of people with disabilities.

He also said that the first Disabled Day was observed at Senapati in 2003 .

Saying that Senapati Disabled People's Association, Manipur (SDPAM) was formed in 2007 without any assistance from the Govt, the adviser stated that the body has organised 2 sports meet at Senapati in 2012 and Kangpokpi in the next year.

The adviser of the body also appealed all to give room for the person with disabilities to grow and develop like like any other in this competitive world.

Claiming that not a single person from the district is benefited by Shotharabashinggi Tengbang till date, he urged all to stand firmly for the rights of such people.

James Hau, vice president, Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) quoted the saying of UN Secretary General "When we secure the rights of people with disabilities, we move closer to achieving the central promises of 2030 agenda to leave no one behind" .

The day is being observed for the empowerment of person with disabilities to meet inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as anticipated on 2030 agenda.

The program was attended by different dignitaries from different institutions of the district like, Innocent Smile School, Lungnila Elizabeth School of Social Work, Mt Zion Sr Sec School and Hills Academy of Science.

Thoubal: In collaboration with Regional Institute of Handicapped Person (RIHP), Yairipok Bamol Leikai, District Social Welfare Office Thoubal observed International Day of Persons with Disabilities at RIHP complex, today.

The observance conducted under the theme "Promoting the participation of person with disability and their leadership taking action on 2030 development agenda" was attended by Thoubal DC, N Bandana Devi, District Social Welfare Officer Thoubal, Arambam Kameshwar, CMO Thoubal, Dr N Jayantakumar, RIHP Yairipok president, Dr M Rajendra, Yairipok Municipal Council, Vice Chairperson, Konjengbam Ito, Wahengbam Zilla Parishad, nominee Member, Kh Sobha and Leirongthel Ningel Gram Panchayat, nominee Pradhan, Salam Kumar as the dignitaries.

At the event, N Bandana Devi said that every individual has a role to play in uplifting and providing a better future for a person with disabilities.

She also urged all concerned to put their best effort to make sure that such persons are benefited by Chief Ministergee Hakshelgee Tengbang (CMHT) and other the schemes initiated especially for them.

Saying that the number of recognised disability conditions has been increased from 7 to 21, the DC continued that plan are being made to identify more disability condition.

The DC also appealed all eligible women for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) to enrol for the scheme.

Later, the dignitaries presented a simple gift to all PWDs present.

Students of RIHP also showcased different dance and song performances during the programme.

Tengnoupal: International Day of Persons with Disabilities was also observed at Chavangphai Village, Moreh, today.

The programme organised by District Social Welfare Office, Tengnoupal was attended by ADC Chandel, Member, Chinneivah Haokip as chief guest, District Social Welfare Officer, Tengnoupal, W Thamapati Devi as functional president and MO in-charge PHC Moreh, Dr Santikumar as guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, said the parents/guardians should not hide their disabled wards but encourage them to hone their unique skills to ensure respectable life for them.

During the observance, the dignitaries present encouraged several differently-abled persons with simple gifts.

Bishnupur: Under the theme " The Future is Accessible", District Social Welfare Office, Bishnupur and Society for Disabled Persons Manipur, Kumbi jointly organised International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Kumbi Lai Achouba Mandop, Kumbi, today.

Kumbi AC MLA S Bira Singh, AC to DC, Bishnupur L Bobi Singh, Chairperson Kumbi Municipal Council, W Priyoranjan Singh, Vice- Chairperson Kumbi Municipal Council L Babita Devi, District Social Welfare Officer, Bishnupur N Jotish Singh and Secy, Society for Disabled Person, Manipur N Iboton Singh attended the programme as presidium members.

As part of the programme, several handloom and handicraft items designed by differently-abled persons were gifted to the dignitaries present.

On the occasion, S Bira Singh expressed happiness on witnessing several differently-abled persons taking part in the event.

At one time such people doesn't come out often from their homes in fear of social stigma but today the story is different, the MLA said.

The MLA also said that necessary measures will be taken up to set up one office for Society For Disabled Person.

On the other hand, a blood donation camp was organised today by Youth Development & Cultural Association (TYDCA) Tronglaobi, Public Relation Organisation (PRO) Tronglaobi, Group Unity Strength (GUST) Tronglaobi and Bharat Vikas Parishad Moirang Kendra at Lower Primary School, Tronglaobi Makha Leikai to mark the event.

During the camp which was organised in association with JNIMS Blood Bank, over 60 differently-abled persons from the district including singer Mandakini Takhellambam donated blood.

Mandakini Takhellambam and Proprietor of Chabungbam Steel and Iron Industries Tronglaobi Ch Robin presented gifts to all participating differently-abled persons.

After the camp, an awareness programme attended by Tronglaobi Terakhongshangbi GP Pradhan, Laichonbam Basanta as chief guest, advisor Bharat Vikas Parishad, Moirang Kendra retd Prof Dr Y Modhu as functional president and singers Mandakini Takhellambam, Arbin Soibam, and Sunita Nepram as guests of honour was also held.

Kakching: Similar programme was also held today at Mission Blind School, Heikakpokpi in the presence of Kshetrigao AC MLA, Nahakpam Indrajit, SSA Tengnoupal, BRP, Apao Kom and Principal of Mission Blind School, Karung Pareng Kom as dignitaries.

Jiribam: Achievement of Rising Maiden (ARM), Jiribam observed World Disability Day at Children With Disabilities (ICD), Complex, Lakhipur, Jiribam today.

S Wangoisana, Councillor Ward No 9, S Jadhob Singh, president, Parents Association of ICD, Jiribam and S Lalmani Singh, AI of schools ZEO Jiribam attended the observance as presidium members.

Calendars, disability certificates and hearing aids were distributed to differently abled persons at the event.

Members and leaders of different CSOs attended.